Getting stranded on a deserted island is a terrifying situation we might think about hypothetically or watch in movies (2000's Cast Away is a perfect example).
But getting lost at sea is a frightening ordeal that's become a reality for some, including three sailors who were saved after going missing last week.
The men were sailing to Weno Island in the Pacific Ocean when a big wave knocked over their 19-foot skiff. They swam for hours until they reached Fandadik Island, where they were left completely stranded.
Thankfully, they were rescued with the help of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy and AMVER (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue).
"Our combined efforts coupled with the willingness of many different resources to come together and help led to the successful rescue of these three men in a very remote part of the Pacific," said Lt. William White, Sector Guam public affairs officer in a statement.
But it's also what these clever three men did in their time of distress that made the rescue mission possible…
Being shipwrecked on a desert island is certainly one of the most frightening things that can happen to a person.
Thankfully these three sailors were saved in the nick of time after they landed on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean.
Although they were reported missing, their rescue wasn't guaranteed because of the vast size of the Pacific Ocean.
But three days after being stranded on the island, a U.S. Navy plane noticed a smoke signal and an even greater prominent call for help.
The men used palm fronds to spell out the word "help" in the sand. It was big enough that it was visible from the sky. (Although a difficult process, building a fire is another recommended tactic.)
The U.S. Coast Guard was called and came to the rescue along with help from the Navy and AMVER. They worked closely together to make the rescue possible.
"These partnerships are critical to successful search and rescue cases in remote parts of the Pacific. Ingenuity of these men to build their sign and the preparedness of having life jackets also contributed to their safe rescue," the U.S. Coast Guard Hawaii Pacific shared on Facebook along with photos.
Many were quick to praise the rescuers on their brave efforts on the Coast Guard's Facebook page.
Watch the video below and please SHARE if you're glad these sailors made it home safely!
